Portrait of a Friend

Aspire to be a friend if not a parent like this.

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Author Unknown

I can't give solutions to all of life's problems,
doubts, or fears. But I can listen to you,
and together we will search for answers.

I can't change your past with all its heartache and pain,
nor the future with its untold stories.
But I can be there now when you need me to care.

I can't keep your feet from stumbling.
I can only offer my hand that you
may grasp it and not fall.

Your joys, triumphs, successes, and happiness are
not mine; yet I can share in your laughter.

Your decisions in life are not mine to make,
nor to judge; I can only support you,
encourage you, and help you when you ask.

I can't prevent you from falling away from
friendship, from your values, from me. I can
only pray for you, talk to you and wait for you.

I can't give you boundaries which I have determined
for you, but I can give you the room to change,
room to grow, room to be yourself.

I can't keep your heart from breaking and hurting,
but I can cry with you and help you pick up
the pieces and put them back in place.

I can't tell you who you are.
I can only love you and be your friend.